The Big Kahuna

When I first heard that we would be planning a Leadership Conference, I was slightly disappointed since I thought we would be doing something that had never been done before. Then, my excitement began to build because we can make this conference into anything we want; it can be fun, informative, and stimulating. And, since we know what we like, it will be easier to provide invited students with a memorable and educational experience. I'm anxious to see what kind of ideas the group comes up with. I also wasn't sure how I felt about working with a group of 19 people, but then I realized that this is one of the real-world components since we will indeed have to collaborate with large groups of people for long periods of time in our careers.

The only things that I'm nervous about are losing momentum, inefficient communication, and skewed divisions or responsibilities. As usual, everyone seems excited about starting the planning of the conference and we had a successful first meeting, but I'm interested to see how long this enthusiasm lasts, especially when we are faced with exams, internships, research, and other activities. With such a large group, we will have to implement a robust and effective communication system so that everyone can stay informed without inundating everyone with slightly relevant information. I am confident that we have enough trained leaders in the group to fabricate or  utilize a good system. I'm also curious to see how the division of responsibility will take place and how people will handle the different levels of duty. Hopefully, people will step into roles that allow them to perform at a level consistent with their strengths, opportunity areas, availability, and commitment.

I hope we continue to demonstrate our creativity and leadership by creating a conference that ACTUALLY makes a difference and conveys innovation. I hope we can actually appeal to the non-traditionally involved students so that they may too be better equipped with the skills to accelerate them in their careers and professions. I hope that everyone remains focused on the goals, maintains a purposeful and professional demeanor, and continues to stay respectful of others opinions and characteristics.

I plan to contribute as much as I can to the conference planning without compromising my academics and other activities. I hope to challenge myself and to improve my teamwork skills. I expect to help with the maintenance of order during meetings and to summon the creative energy that exists within each person. I expect that this challenge with increase our interactions with alumni and hopefully our influence and reputation on campus.

I think this challenge will call upon us to exhibit all of the 14 competencies in some capacity, since over the course of the year, situations will undoubtedly emerge that will call upon us to either display or improve our skills in the established competencies.

Until next time, adios.